Davon Bean: The Creative Force Connecting Vanson Leathers to the Culture

From the Bronx to Harlem, and from working with luxury fashion houses like Louis Vuitton and Gucci to becoming the creative force behind some of Vanson Leathers’ most memorable projects, Davon Bean of Fly Geenius has built a career around creativity, culture, and authenticity.

Bean’s journey into creative direction began with his own brand, Fly Geenius, where he developed a team of photographers and graphic designers while learning to bring his own ideas to life.

That experience eventually opened the door to working with Vanson Leathers, the Fall River-based motorcycle and leather company known for its craftsmanship and American-made products.

Since stepping into the creative director role in 2021, Bean has helped develop campaigns, collaborations, events, and creative concepts that connect Vanson with fashion, music, streetwear, and popular culture. His work has included collaborations and projects involving names such as Aime Leon Dore, Awake x Jordan, New Era, Fear of God, Teyana Taylor, DJ Mustard and others.

But for Bean, the work goes beyond simply creating products.

It’s about building culture and creating genuine connections with communities, artists, designers, DJs and creatives.

His ultimate goal remains bigger than any individual collaboration: turning Fly Geenius into a global movement that inspires people to express their creativity and personal style, regardless of their profession.

Q: Where are you from?

BEAN: "I’m from the Bronx, New York, but I’ve also spent some time living in Harlem."

Q: When did you become the creative director at Vanson?

BEAN: "I took on that role in 2021."

Q: How long have you been the creative director at Vanson?

BEAN: "It’s been about six years, I believe.

Just think back to when you first noticed Vanson catching fire again, the resurgence—that’s when I started! Just kidding!"

Q: What did you study in school, if anything?

BEAN: "My education comes from the streets of the Bronx and Harlem, along with my experiences working at Louis Vuitton and Gucci.

I did take a couple of courses at FIT, but I never finished them."

Q: How did you get into creative directing, and when did you realize it could become your career?

BEAN: "It all started with my brand, Fly Geenius.

I built a small team of graphic designers and photographers, guiding them while also working on designs myself.

That gave me the knowledge and confidence to bring my vision to another brand like Vanson.

I also directed a project at the New Museum for an exhibition called Grief and Grievance, where I designed the windows and parts of the gift shop."

Q: Being from New York, how did you first connect with Vanson Leathers in Fall River, Massachusetts?

BEAN: "I reached out to them for a collaboration with Fly Geenius."

Q: As the creative director, what are your responsibilities?

BEAN: "I’m responsible for generating innovative ideas for campaigns, ensuring we collaborate with the right partners, designing, and curating exciting events.

Essentially, I create a creative roadmap that guides the brand in the right direction."

Q: What’s the difference between building culture behind a brand and simply selling products?

BEAN: "Building culture begins with community and engaging with the streets.

It requires genuine care for what you’re doing.

With Fly Geenius and Vanson, we focus on community, quality products, and truly connecting with people.

Last summer, I hosted a free weekly event called Geenius Summer, inviting influencers, designers, DJs, and artists to join us for a night of fun.

We kicked off with Fergie Baby and wrapped up with ASAP Ferg, releasing limited-edition Vanson and Fly Geenius items in collaboration with different brands and artists each week."

Q: What makes Vanson different from other streetwear brands?

BEAN: "Our craftsmanship truly sets us apart, and we’re still proudly made in the USA.

When you buy from us, you’re investing in a product that will last a lifetime—something many brands can’t claim."

Q: You’ve collaborated with brands like Jordan and Supreme, where Vanson x Supreme sells out in minutes. What’s involved in working with such highly sought-after brands?

BEAN: "The Supreme partnership was established before I joined, but I’ve attended meetings at their offices.

For collaborations like Aime Leon Dore, Awake x Jordan, New Era, and Fear of God, we start with a meeting or Zoom call to brainstorm ideas, then come up with a concept and execute it. We also discuss photoshoots and the rollout strategy."

Q: Vanson has received numerous celebrity endorsements, with artists like DJ Mustard wearing your designs at the Super Bowl. How do these collaborations come about?

BEAN: "I built a creative rapport with Mustard, who would order from both Fly Geenius and Vanson.

When I learned Kendrick would be performing at the Super Bowl, I reached out to Mustard to see if I could design something special for him.

We collaborated on the concept, and it became a significant moment in my career—I’m still in disbelief about it!"

Q: What factors influence your decision on collaborations?

BEAN: "I rely on my vision for the brand, my imagination, and sometimes personal friendships with artists or brands I admire to guide my choices."

Q: Out of all the projects and collaborations you’ve worked on at Vanson, which stand out the most?

BEAN: "The Aime Leon Dore collaboration is memorable for me as it was my first major project.

Designing a custom motorcycle suit for Teyana Taylor’s tour was another highlight, along with the Super Bowl experience."

Q: You’ve worked alongside some iconic names in the industry. What does success look like to you now?

BEAN: "My dream for Fly Geenius is to make it a global sensation.

That’s my ultimate goal.

While Vanson is already making its mark, I envision Fly Geenius reaching a worldwide audience, inspiring people to express their creativity and style, no matter their profession.

For example, my friend DA worked at the post office but always looked fly in his uniform—he truly embodied the Fly Geenius spirit.

Rest in peace to a Harlem legend."

Q:What’s one thing you wish you had known when you were starting in the creative industry, or what advice would you give to a young creative?

BEAN: "I wish someone had warned me about the politics involved in streetwear.

The key is to persist and not let discouragement hold you back."